Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Arizona driver's license at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster — most people finish in under an hour — but the mail route works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Arizona address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are renewing by mail, send your current license, a completed Form DL 44 (available on the ADOT website), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewals at an ADOT office usually take less than an hour and require your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Arizona address.
- Mail renewals work only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks of an in-person renewal, or two to three weeks after a mail renewal is processed.
- If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to prove it, whether you renew in person or by mail.
- ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer extended hours; check the ADOT website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go.
Finding an ADOT office and making an appointment
ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find the location nearest you, hours of operation, and current wait times on the ADOT website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Phoenix and Tucson often have longer waits than smaller cities.
You do not need an appointment for a driver's license renewal at most ADOT offices, but you can schedule one online through the ADOT website if you want to reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter lines.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a standard five-year Arizona driver's license is $25. A ten-year license costs $50. ADOT offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — they do not accept credit cards through the mail.
Some ADOT offices also accept online payment before you arrive, which can speed up your visit. Check with your local office to see if this option is available.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal. If it has been expired for more than one year, you will need to take a written test and an eye exam in addition to the standard renewal steps. You will also need to pay a late renewal fee in addition to the standard renewal fee.
If your license expired more than five years ago, ADOT may require you to retake the driving test as well. Contact your local ADOT office to confirm what you need before you go.
Renewing online or through third-party services
Arizona does not currently offer online driver's license renewal through ADOT's website. You must renew in person at an ADOT office or by mail. Some third-party services advertise that they can handle your renewal for you, but they cannot — they can only provide information or help you fill out forms. You will still need to visit an ADOT office or mail in your documents yourself.
Stick with ADOT directly to avoid paying unnecessary fees to a middleman. The process is straightforward enough to do on your own.
Getting a replacement if your license is lost or stolen
If your license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at any ADOT office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of your Arizona address, just as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for a ten-year license — the same as a renewal. You will receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police for your records, though this is not required by ADOT.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses have different renewal rules. You must renew in person at an ADOT office — mail renewal is not an option. You will need to pass a medical examination and provide a current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. The renewal fee is higher than a standard license and varies depending on the type of CDL and endorsements you hold.
CDL renewals also require you to renew your hazmat endorsement separately if you have one. Contact ADOT or visit their website for the current CDL renewal fee and the full list of documents you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Arizona allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will expire five or ten years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew. Check your current license to see when it expires before you renew.
What if I have moved out of Arizona since my last renewal?
If you no longer live in Arizona, you cannot renew your Arizona license. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact the motor vehicle department in your new state for their renewal process.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
After an in-person renewal, your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. After a mail renewal, processing takes about two to three weeks, and then your license arrives by mail. You can continue driving on your old license until your new one arrives.
What if my vision or medical condition has changed since my last renewal?
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, tell the ADOT staff when you renew. ADOT may require you to pass an eye exam or provide a letter from your doctor. If ADOT determines you are not safe to drive, they may restrict your license or deny renewal.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license in person or by mail yourself. ADOT does not allow someone else to renew on your behalf, even with a power of attorney. If you are unable to visit an ADOT office, the mail renewal option is your best choice.